Nwanne Campo The African Diaspora Woman of The Year Award Winner 

The African Diaspora Woman of The Year Award Winner Speaks From Spain By  Uchendu Precious Onuoha  

                                                                                                                                 

The name Nwanne Campo may not ring bell to many Nigerians back home, as a result of migration which not only has robbed Nigeria of brain drain, but at the same time beauty drain. The presence of this dazzling, elegant, ebony black beauty radiates light to her environment. She is like an illuminator wherever she enters with her ever smiling face and fashion. Nwanne Campo’s love and selfless service to humanity, working voluntarily under an N.G.O. that

rescued distressed and stranded African immigrants entering Europe through water and desert brought her to spotlight and endeared her to the hearts of many. Especially the many African immigrants she helped to rescue and rehabilitate in Spain.

This precious and versatile lady is a rare gift. Nwanne, who came into public glare in Spain and Europe as a philanthropist, model, actress, editor and event planner about 2 years ago, has been dazzling the scene since her appearance. Her stride into event planning is a new innovation and an edge over her contemporaries. Her efficiency in planning and organizing events is second to none. Whatever big event, be it wedding, birth day, pageant, inauguration, or book launch, once she is involved, the celebrant should go and sleep. She will be most useful to Nigeria if involved in the event planning of Nigeria’s centenary anniversary this year.

The Unizik Sociology graduate recently received the prestigious award of African Diaspora Woman of the year 2013. Organized by Voice of Achievers Netherlands. Former recipients of the award in the past include former President, General Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, Governor of Sokoto state, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. The 2013 award saw the Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma as one of the recipients. Here is the interview held with her in Madrid by our correspondent in Spain where she resides.

A Nigerian, born at Onitsha, schooled at Enugu and Awka. Unizik Sociology graduate. Though Nigerian, married to a Spaniard. Commentator and interpreter for FIFA Nigeria 99, under 18 world cup. And I belong to the world, as an entertainer, actress, model, event planner, fashion consultant, tourist guild. Company’s representative a mother of two, a lover of life and happiness, and a God fearing Christian.

TELL US YOU’RE JOURNEY INTO ACTING AND MODELLING.

I would say I started acting at early stage while at school. Had a dancing group between the age of eight and nine that presented and performed in NTA. Recited poems while a little girl for Jim Nwobodo when he was a governor. My school drama club which I belonged to was groomed by Zulu Adigwe, the popular TV series producer Mr.B. He was our manager and artistic director then. From there I started appearing in NTA programs. Acting comes naturally. And I love entertaining, bringing joy and happiness to people. Like a peacock, I admire so much what God gave to me. And I have a big fan, my husband who loves me and what I do so much.

Training as a model was not planned for. At queens school Enugu, we had very good teachers who drilled and trained us as girls, the way we should walk and package ourselves. Loves being in front of the camera, photo, and posing. I had a decoy and fashion outfit. And I feel joy and satisfied making people look good and admirable.

WHY DID YOU NOT CHOOSE TO LIVE IN NIGERIA AND BE A NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS?

My husband is from Spain. Got married in 1993 and that was during the time of the Abiola political crisis in Nigeria. By then, many foreigners returned to their countries. My husband decided to move down to Spain and I have to leave Nigeria and relocated with him as to raise a family.

 HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INTO ACTING?

Started acting from school, was groomed by Zulu Adigwe and featured in NTA programs. Got married, packed up for a while and moved to Spain. Returned After working for the Spanish government, and was encouraged by honorable Chidi Ebenyi, the ex-ambassador of Nigeria to Spain to go into acting. Returned in full force last two years when I came in contact with the Nigerian community in Spain. Started with Zenith entertainment. But breakthrough came through La Face. I have stared in 3 movies in Nollywood here in Spain within one year. Namely, the pastors, puree the patatas and set time.

HOW WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP?

Though born from a royal family and with silver spoon, I don’t want to delve into my family background as I prefer to be known for who I am and not to be in the shadow of my family. I am born in the family I am born. As the first child, my parents expected much from me. But I had my aims and goals, bringing peace and love to the world. And I am set out to pursue those aims and objectives. And I believe soonest my aims will be achieved.

WHAT IS YOUR STYLE?

Unique, I would say, do what others don’t. Elegant and innovative. My drive into event planning is a unique innovation. Recently, as an event planner and MC, I successfully handled the launching and presentation of a new book making waves in Spain, “The Road We Traveled a Memoir of Two Worlds”. By a Nigerian born author Uchendu Precious Onuoha. The event was a delight to all present.

YOU WERE RECENTLY GIVEN AN AWARD?

Yes, in October 11, I was awarded African Diaspora Woman of the year 2013 in Holland by Voice of Achievers. This came after few months I was awarded NEU award as the best event planner of the year in Spain on March 29, 2013.

WHAT DOES THIS AWARD MEAN TO YOU?

This award means a lot to me. By that, I represent the whole African women in Europe. And it’s a dedication to my husband. For him it’s a dream come true.

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH MEN?

It’s not easy working in men’s world. I am a very responsible woman, don’t flirt, and don’t play any game with anybody. The virtue of a woman in me is for my husband and my male colleagues respect me.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO NIGERIANS LIVING IN SPAIN

For Nigerians in Spain, each of us is ambassador of our country. Therefore, we should be careful of what we do and say especially here in a foreign land. Would like the embassy to relate the plight of Nigerians here to the Spanish government and wish that agreement may be reached to validate the documents and certificates of Nigerians to stop the Spanish looking at Nigerians here as illiterates. And to enable them obtain meaningful jobs with their certificates.